Saturday, January 29, 2005

WSJ.com - EU Questions Microsoft's Name For Stripped-Down Windows

WSJ.com - EU Questions Microsoft's Name For Stripped-Down Windows: "The European Commission's antitrust authority has expressed concern to Microsoft Corp. about the name it has chosen for its new stripped-down version of Windows, say people familiar with the ongoing negotiations over the software company's business practices.
Microsoft said last month it would offer a new 'Windows XP Reduced Media Edition' to comply with European regulators' orders to make its ubiquitous operating system available without its Windows Media Player already attached.
But regulators fear that the unappealing name could turn away consumers, potentially undermining the order, say the people familiar with the negotiations.
...
If the commission does not believe Microsoft is acting quickly enough or in good faith to comply with its orders, it has the option of levying a fine of up to 5% of the company's average daily turnover, he told reporters."